RA is set for a World Cup windfall. It must splash the cash on junior development

May 2, 2026 — 11:30am

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Rugby Australia’s revenue of $262 million for the 2025 British and Irish Lions year is a significant number for several reasons.

It allowed RA to announce a massive surplus of $70.6 million and wipe out its large debt, but it is also a useful comparison tool with their Bledisloe Cup rivals across the ditch.

Coincidentally, that $262 million is in the same neighbourhood as New Zealand Rugby’s annual income. But when the Kiwis announce their annual results next week, they will likely only break even (or possibly show a small surplus) after pouring it all back into the game.

So, there is a $70 million funding gap between the two countries, and New Zealand again capitalised on that investment advantage this week.

The Australian Super Rugby teams were 0-3 during Super Round in Christchurch, and the Junior Wallabies lost 34-29 to the New Zealand under-20s in their opening match of the Rugby Championship under-20s tournament in South Africa.

These two events are connected: an example of how systems beat natural talent or,........

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